Ardennes American Cemetery in Belguim
My wife and I would like to visit the Ardennes American Cemetery near Neupre in Belguim in early May 2013, to visit the gravesite of my uncle, who was killed in WWII. I assume that the nearest place to stay would be Liege. Does anyone know of a decent place to stay near Neupre that would not be too expensive, and would provide relatively easy access to the cemetery? Is there public transportation to the cemetery from, say, Liege, or would we have to rent a car? thanks. Peter
Peter
Medford, Oregon USA 12/6/12
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Peter, We were there a year ago, staying in Liege. We went on a Sunday which makes things a little different. We took the bus from near our hotel to the trail station, and the train to the village. No public buses were running on Sunday so the sole person at the train station called a private taxi for us. The taxi took us to the cemetary and gave us as much time as we wanted, picked us up and took us back to the train station.
On a week day there is a bus that will take you from the train station, or near it to the cemetary, and pick you up on one of its return trips.
If you need help finding the location of your uncle's grave let me know. We have been to three American military cemetaries and have used public transportation and/or taxis for all of them.
Hi Peter. We visited this cemetery last September. We stayed in Liege at the Hotel Husa de la Couronne, which is located right across the street from the main train station (Guillemins). Good price, and pretty good room, recently d. We rented a car to visit, as we were also venturing out into the Ardennes, so can't help you with the public transport to the cemetery. Hope you have a great trip!
To find a specific grave, go to American Battle Monument Commission website,go to WWII and can type in his name, will show you cemetery, grave, plot etc. register at the visitor center, you may have an escort take you to his grave along with a small flag to plant. Our escort also took along a small pail with sand and paper so could make an etching of the headstone. I can't say as I usually do to enjoy but it is awesome experience.
Another little fact. The sand used to highlight the names for photo on a headstone is from the beaches of Normandy.
Michael, how did you know that about the sand? Interesting fact.
My brother-in-law is buried in the Lorraine Military Cemetery outside of St Avold France. Been there many times thru out the years. Kind of cool isn't it?
Liege might not be worth the trouble. I'd stay closer to the cemetery.
Eupen is very near the cemetery - and it has a train station. You can get there from anywhere. This B&B is well-liked and just a 5-min. walk from the station.
Welkenraedt is smaller but even closer to Henri Chapelle, and its train station is just a few minutes from Eupen. You'd get a taxi or the TEC bus (line 717) from there to the cemetery.
Some Welkenraedt B&Bs, taxi, and other services: http://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=hotelstravel&find_loc=Welkenraedt%2C+Li%C3%A8ge%2C+Belgium
From Welkenraedt, the TEC bus 717 seems to run weekdays only to the "Henri Chapelle Monument" stop.
Agree with the others not to stay in Liege. Quite simply, it's not a nice city.
If you choose the rental car option, you could stay virtually anywhere in Belgium. For options not too far away, I would recommend Spa or Durbuy.
The OP is visiting the Ardennes Cemetery near Neupre, not the Henri Chapelle Cemetery near Eupen.
Is visiting your Uncle's gravesite your only interest? Or are you interested in other WW II sites? If so, consider renting an auto with GPS or bring yours, and tour Bastogne, there are several small museums reasonably close by. A number of fascinating sites in Belgium and Luxenbourg.